Stain Remover Guide P-R:  Remove Paint on Rug, Rust Stains, Rubber Cement, How to Remove Blue Stains on Fixtures, How to Remove Paint from Carpets and Upholstery.

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Paint, Latex – Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Paint, Oil-Base Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.

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Removing Blue Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Blue, green or other unusual colored stains, can be caused in old, badly worn bathtubs and sinks, from cleansers not rinsed off thoroughly. When harsh abrasives (such as most scouring powders) are used regularly on these porcelain enamel surfaces, over several years they wear down the smooth surface, leaving it rough.

Dyes used to encapsulate the cleaning particles in scouring powders or other colored cleansers can get into the crevices of such worn surfaces, and if not rinsed off, and allowed to stay and harden for days, can be almost impossible to remove. A strong chlorine bleach solution may lighten the stain, but will also further dull or discolor the porcelain surface. So one may have to live with the stain.

Removing Rust/Iron Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply, which can only be permanently remove through installation of an iron filter. Occasionally iron is dissolved from rusting water pipes or mains by corrosive water. Iron stains can be removed by a weak acid solution, usually oxalic acid which is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Never use chlorine bleach as this sets the iron stain.

Fresh iron stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and chrome will generally yield to treatment with heavy duty cleaning compounds containing large proportions of trisodium phosphate. Apply cleaner with damp cloth, pad or sponge. Rub discolored surface until stain is removed. Rinse. Wipe dry and polish.

Heavy, stubborn rust stains can often be removed by oxalic acid stain remover compounds such as Zud or a tri-chloro-melanine compound such as Barkeepers Friend. Follow directions carefully.

For rust stains already set on bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, dissolve oxalic acid crystals in hot water and add enough whiting or talc to make a soft paste. Apply this poultice to stain and let dry before removing. Rinse and polish.Use with care-it is poisonous.

Rubber Cement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Rust- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

Use Whink or Zud or other Rust Remover. Follow directions on package.

Stain Guide :  A-D | E-G | H-I | M-O | P-R | S-U | V-X

The Author:

Anne Field, Extension Specialist, with credit to MSU Extension